Mobile terminal and method for controlling the same

ABSTRACT

There are provided a mobile terminal including light emitting devices and a method for controlling the same. A mobile terminal includes a camera, a light emitting unit including a plurality of light emitting devices, the light emitting unit emitting light toward a space corresponding to an image received through the camera, and a controller for controlling light emitting devices, which emit light toward a space corresponding to a portion of the image among the plurality of light emitting devices, to be used in extracting depth information of the portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/041,194, filed on Jul. 20, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/448,423, filed on Mar. 2, 2017, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,063,841, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/970,065, filed on Dec. 15, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.10,045,006, which claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right ofpriority to Korean Application No. 10-2015-0086077, filed on Jun. 17,2015, the contents of which are all hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal including lightemitting devices and a method for controlling the same.

2. Description of the Conventional Art

As the performance of a camera is developed, various functions using thecamera have recently developed. For example, functions of photographinghigh-quality still images or moving images or generating 3D images byusing depth information (depth values) of images received through thecamera have actively developed.

A light emitting device plays an important role in the various functionsusing the camera. Here, the light emitting device functions to emitlight into a space corresponding to an image received through thecamera.

Accordingly, it is required to develop a light emitting device forperforming various functions using a camera, a control method of a lightemitting device, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal and a method for controlling the same, which can extract depthinformation of an image received through a camera by using light emittedfrom light emitting devices.

Another aspect of the detailed description is to provide a mobileterminal and a method for controlling the same, which can control lightemitting devices by using the optimized method.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, amobile terminal includes: a camera; a light emitting unit configured toinclude a plurality of light emitting devices, and emit light toward aspace corresponding to an image received through the camera; and acontroller configured to control light emitting devices, which emitlight toward a space corresponding to a portion of the image among theplurality of light emitting devices, to be used in extracting depthinformation of the portion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of light emitting devices maybe grouped into a plurality of groups. The controller may control lightemitting devices, which are included in a group formed to emit lighttoward the space corresponding to the portion among the plurality ofgroups, to emit light.

In one exemplary embodiment, when depth information of a portion in theimage is extracted, the controller may control light emitting devices,which are included in a first group formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the first portion among the plurality of groups, toemit light. When depth information of a second portion different fromthe first portion in the image is extracted, the controller may controllight emitting devices, which are included in a second group formed toemit light toward a space corresponding to the second portion among theplurality of groups, to emit light.

In one exemplary embodiment, when the image is photographed as a stillimage, the controller may control the plurality of groups tosequentially emit light in a predetermined order as time elapses.

In one exemplary embodiment, the predetermined order may be determinedbased on an order in which a plurality of areas included in the imageare photographed as still images as time elapses.

In one exemplary embodiment, the controller may control the lightemitting unit in different manners, based on an operation mode relatedto the camera.

In one exemplary embodiment, when the operation mode is a firstoperation mode related to the camera, the controller may control theplurality of groups in a first manner. When the operation mode is asecond operation mode related to the camera, the controller may controlthe plurality of groups in a second manner different from the firstmanner.

In one exemplary embodiment, the controller may extract an area havingdepth information within a predetermined range from the image, andcontrol light emitting devices, which are included in a group formed toemit light toward a space corresponding to the extracted area among theplurality of groups, to emit light.

In one exemplary embodiment, the area having the depth informationwithin the predetermined range may be extracted based on depthinformation of an image corresponding to a predetermined area in theimage.

In one exemplary embodiment, the mobile terminal may further include asensing unit configured to sense a movement of the mobile terminal. Thecontroller may determine a group emitting light among the plurality ofgroups, based on at least one of a speed and a direction of themovement.

In one exemplary embodiment, if a new image is received to the camera bythe movement, the controller may control light emitting devices, whichare included in a group formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the new image among the plurality of groups, to emitlight.

In one exemplary embodiment, the light emitting unit may include a lensconfigured to refract light emitted from the plurality of light emittingdevices. The controller may adjust light emitting degrees of theplurality of light emitting devices, based on the brightness of lightpassing through the lens and then being reflected by an object andreturned to the mobile terminal.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof this specification, as embodied and broadly described herein, amethod for controlling a mobile terminal includes: receiving an imagethrough a camera; and allowing light emitting devices, which emit lighttoward a space corresponding to a portion in the image among a pluralityof light emitting devices, to emit light, so as to be used in extractingdepth information of the portion.

Further scope of applicability of the present application will becomemore apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However,it should be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of thedisclosure.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a mobile terminal according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual diagrams illustrating an example of themobile terminal viewed in different directions according to theexemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 2A to 2C are conceptual diagrams illustrating a light emittingunit provided in the mobile terminal according to the exemplaryembodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a plurality oflight emitting to devices provided in the light emitting unit accordingto the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart representatively illustrating a control methodaccording to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the control method describedin FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method forcontrolling light emitting devices according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of adjusting lightemitting degrees of a plurality of light emitting devices, and FIG. 9 isa conceptual diagram illustrating the control method described in FIG.8;

FIGS. 10 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating control methods ofcontrolling the light emitting unit in different manners according tooperation modes of a camera, and

FIGS. 11 and 13 are conceptual diagrams illustrating the control methodsdescribed in FIGS. 10 and 12, respectively; and

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for controlling aplurality of light emitting devices provided in the light emitting unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to thedrawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with thesame or similar reference numbers, and description thereof will not berepeated. In general, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be usedto refer to elements or components. Use of such a suffix herein ismerely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and thesuffix itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function.In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinaryskill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake ofbrevity. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understandvarious technical features and it should be understood that theembodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanyingdrawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extendto any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to thosewhich are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may beused herein to describe various elements, these elements should not belimited by these terms. These terms are generally only used todistinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected with” another element, the element can be connected with theother element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with”another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless itrepresents a definitely different meaning from the context. Terms suchas “include” or “has” are used herein and should be understood that theyare intended to indicate an existence of several components, functionsor steps, disclosed in the specification, and it is also understood thatgreater or fewer components, functions, or steps may likewise beutilized.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra books, wearable devices (for example, smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be madewith reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, suchteachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those typesnoted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied tostationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and thelike.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a block diagramof a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an outputunit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and apower supply unit 190. It is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewercomponents may alternatively be implemented.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the mobile terminal 100 is shown havingwireless communication unit 110 configured with several commonlyimplemented components. For instance, the wireless communication unit110 typically includes one or more components which permit wirelesscommunication between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system or network within which the mobile terminal islocated.

The wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or moremodules which permit communications such as wireless communicationsbetween the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system,communications between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobileterminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100 and an externalserver. Further, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includesone or more modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or morenetworks.

To facilitate such communications, the wireless communication unit 110includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobilecommunication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-rangecommunication module 114, and a location to information module 115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, in FIG. 1A, the sensing unit 140 is shown havinga proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142.

If desired, the sensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionallyinclude other types of sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, anacceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor,a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scansensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera121), a microphone 122, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (forexample, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detectionsensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and achemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor,a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal100 may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors ofthe sensing unit 140, and combinations thereof.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a to display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154.

The display unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or anintegrated structure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touchscreen. The touch screen may provide an output interface between themobile terminal 100 and a user, as well as function as the user inputunit 123 which provides an input interface between the mobile terminal100 and the user.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobile toterminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs. The controller 180 may provide or processinformation or functions appropriate for a user by processing signals,data, information and the like, which are input or output by the variouscomponents depicted in FIG. 1A, or activating application programsstored in the memory 170. As one example, the controller 180 controlssome or all of the components illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C according tothe execution of an application program that have been stored in thememory 170.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

At least some of the above components may operate in a cooperatingmanner, so as to implement an operation or a control method for a glasstype terminal according to various embodiments to be explained later.The operation or the control method for the glass type terminal may beimplemented on the glass type terminal by driving at least oneapplication program stored in the memory 170.

Referring still to FIG. 1A, various components depicted in this figurewill now be described in more detail. Regarding the wirelesscommunication unit 110, the broadcast receiving module 111 is typicallyconfigured to receive a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation from an external broadcast managing entity via a broadcastchannel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel, aterrestrial channel, or both. In some embodiments, two or more broadcastreceiving modules 111 may be utilized to facilitate simultaneouslyreceiving of two or more broadcast channels, or to support switchingamong broadcast channels.

The mobile communication module 112 can transmit and/or receive wirelesssignals to and from one or more network entities. Typical examples of anetwork entity include a base station, an external mobile terminal, aserver, and the like. Such network entities form part of a mobilecommunication network, which is constructed according to technicalstandards or communication methods for mobile communications (forexample, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code DivisionMulti Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO(Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WidebandCDMA (WCDMA), High Speed Downlink Packet access (HSDPA), HSUPA (HighSpeed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long TermEvolution-Advanced), and the like). Examples of wireless signalstransmitted and/or received via the mobile communication module 112include audio call signals, video (telephony) call signals, or variousformats of data to support communication of text and multimediamessages.

The wireless Internet module 113 is configured to facilitate wirelessInternet access. This module may be internally or externally coupled tothe mobile terminal 100. The wireless Internet module 113 may transmitand/or receive wireless signals via communication networks according towireless Internet technologies.

Examples of such wireless Internet access include Wireless LAN (WLAN),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Digital Living Network Alliance(DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA),HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE),LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), and the like. The wirelessInternet module 113 may transmit/receive data according to one or moreof such wireless Internet technologies, and other Internet technologiesas well.

In some embodiments, when the wireless Internet access is implementedaccording to, for example, WiBro, HSDPA, HSUPA, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE,LTE-A and the like, as part of a mobile communication network, thewireless Internet module 113 performs such wireless Internet access. Assuch, the Internet module 113 may cooperate with, or function as, themobile communication module 112.

The short-range communication module 114 is configured to facilitateshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing suchshort-range communications include BLUETOOTH™, Radio FrequencyIDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand(UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity(Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), andthe like. The short-range communication module 114 in general supportswireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system, communications between the mobile terminal 100 andanother mobile terminal 100, or communications between the mobileterminal and a network where another mobile terminal 100 (or an externalserver) is located, via wireless area networks. One example of thewireless area networks is a wireless personal area networks.

In some embodiments, another mobile terminal (which may be configuredsimilarly to mobile terminal 100) may be a wearable device, for example,a smart watch, a smart glass or a head mounted display (HMD), which isable to exchange data with the mobile terminal 100 (or otherwisecooperate with the mobile terminal 100). The short-range communicationmodule 114 may sense or recognize the wearable device, and permitcommunication between the wearable device and the mobile terminal 100.In addition, when the sensed wearable device is a device which isauthenticated to communicate with the mobile terminal 100, thecontroller 180, for example, may cause transmission of data processed inthe mobile terminal 100 to the wearable device via the short-rangecommunication module 114. Hence, a user of the wearable device may usethe data processed in the mobile terminal 100 on the wearable device.For example, when a call is received in the mobile terminal 100, theuser may answer the call using the wearable device. Also, when a messageis received in the mobile terminal 100, the user can check the receivedmessage using the wearable device.

The location information module 115 is generally configured to detect,calculate, derive or otherwise identify a position of the mobileterminal. As an example, the location information module 115 includes aGlobal Position System (GPS) module, a Wi-Fi module, or both. Ifdesired, the location information module 115 may alternatively oradditionally function with any of the other modules of the wirelesscommunication unit 110 to obtain data related to the position of themobile terminal.

As one example, when the mobile terminal uses a GPS module, a positionof the mobile terminal may be acquired using a signal sent from a GPSsatellite. As another example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fimodule, a position of the mobile terminal can be acquired based oninformation related to a wireless access point (AP) which transmits orreceives a wireless signal to or from the Wi-Fi module.

The input unit 120 may be configured to permit various types of input tothe mobile terminal 120. Examples of such input include audio, image,video, data, and user input. Image and video input is often obtainedusing one or more cameras 121. Such cameras 121 may process image framesof still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video or imagecapture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in memory 170. In some cases, the cameras 121 may bearranged in a matrix configuration to permit a plurality of imageshaving various angles or focal points to be input to the mobile terminal100. As another example, the cameras 121 may be located in astereoscopic arrangement to acquire left and right images forimplementing a stereoscopic image.

The microphone 122 is generally implemented to permit audio input to themobile terminal 100. The audio input can be processed in various mannersaccording to a to function being executed in the mobile terminal 100. Ifdesired, the microphone 122 may include assorted noise removingalgorithms to remove unwanted noise generated in the course of receivingthe external audio.

The user input unit 123 is a component that permits input by a user.Such user input may enable the controller 180 to control operation ofthe mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 123 may include one or moreof a mechanical input element (for example, a key, a button located on afront and/or rear surface or a side surface of the mobile terminal 100,a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like), or atouch-sensitive input, among others. As one example, the touch-sensitiveinput may be a virtual key or a soft key, which is displayed on a touchscreen through software processing, or a touch key which is located onthe mobile terminal at a location that is other than the touch screen.On the other hand, the virtual key or the visual key may be displayed onthe touch screen in various shapes, for example, graphic, text, icon,video, or a combination thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is generally configured to sense one or more ofinternal information of the mobile terminal, surrounding environmentinformation of the mobile terminal, user information, or the like. Thecontroller 180 generally cooperates with the sending unit 140 to controloperation of the mobile terminal 100 or execute data processing, afunction or an operation associated with an application programinstalled in the mobile terminal based on the sensing provided by thesensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 may be implemented using any of avariety of sensors, some of which will now be described in more detail.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching a surface, or an object located near asurface, by using an electromagnetic field, infrared rays, or the likewithout a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may be arrangedat an inner region of the mobile terminal covered by the touch screen,or near the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141, for example, may include any of a transmissivetype photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective type photoelectricsensor, a mirror reflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequencyoscillation proximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, amagnetic type proximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, andthe like. When the touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type,the proximity sensor 141 can sense proximity of a pointer relative tothe touch screen by changes of an electromagnetic field, which isresponsive to an approach of an object with conductivity. In this case,the touch screen (touch sensor) may also be categorized as a proximitysensor.

The term “proximity touch” will often be referred to herein to denotethe scenario in which a pointer is positioned to be proximate to thetouch screen without contacting the touch screen. The term “contacttouch” will often be referred to herein to denote the scenario in whicha pointer makes physical contact with the touch screen. For the positioncorresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer relative to thetouch screen, such position will correspond to a position where thepointer is perpendicular to the touch screen. The proximity sensor 141may sense proximity touch, and proximity touch patterns (for example,distance, direction, speed, time, position, moving status, and thelike).

In general, controller 180 processes data corresponding to proximitytouches and proximity touch patterns sensed by the proximity sensor 141,and cause output of visual information on the touch screen. In addition,the controller 180 can control the mobile terminal 100 to executedifferent operations or process different data according to whether atouch with respect to a point on the touch screen is either a proximitytouch or a contact touch.

A touch sensor can sense a touch applied to the touch screen, such asdisplay unit 151, using any of a variety of touch methods. Examples ofsuch touch methods include a resistive type, a capacitive type, aninfrared type, and a magnetic field type, among others.

As one example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert changes ofto pressure applied to a specific part of the display unit 151, orconvert capacitance occurring at a specific part of the display unit151, into electric input signals. The touch sensor may also beconfigured to sense not only a touched position and a touched area, butalso touch pressure and/or touch capacitance. A touch object isgenerally used to apply a touch input to the touch sensor. Examples oftypical touch objects include a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, apointer, or the like.

When a touch input is sensed by a touch sensor, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display unit 151 has been touched. Here, the touchcontroller may be a component separate from the controller 180, thecontroller 180, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the controller 180 may execute the same ordifferent controls according to a type of touch object that touches thetouch screen or a touch key provided in addition to the touch screen.Whether to execute the same or different control according to the objectwhich provides a touch input may be decided based on a current operatingstate of the mobile terminal 100 or a currently executed applicationprogram, for example.

The touch sensor and the proximity sensor may be implementedindividually, or in combination, to sense various types of touches. Suchtouches includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, adrag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipetouch, a hovering touch, and the like.

If desired, an ultrasonic sensor may be implemented to recognizeposition information relating to a touch object using ultrasonic waves.The controller 180, for example, may calculate a position of a wavegeneration source based on information sensed by an illumination sensorand a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. Since light is much to fasterthan ultrasonic waves, the time for which the light reaches the opticalsensor is much shorter than the time for which the ultrasonic wavereaches the ultrasonic sensor. The position of the wave generationsource may be calculated using this fact. For instance, the position ofthe wave generation source may be calculated using the time differencefrom the time that the ultrasonic wave reaches the sensor based on thelight as a reference signal.

The camera 121 typically includes at least one a camera sensor (CCD,CMOS etc.), a photo sensor (or image sensors), and a laser sensor.

Implementing the camera 121 with a laser sensor may allow detection of atouch of a physical object with respect to a 3D stereoscopic image. Thephoto sensor may be laminated on, or overlapped with, the displaydevice. The photo sensor may be configured to scan movement of thephysical object in proximity to the touch screen. In more detail, thephoto sensor may include photo diodes and transistors at rows andcolumns to scan content received at the photo sensor using an electricalsignal which changes according to the quantity of applied light. Namely,the photo sensor may calculate the coordinates of the physical objectaccording to variation of light to thus obtain position information ofthe physical object.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

In some embodiments, the display unit 151 may be implemented as astereoscopic display unit for displaying stereoscopic images. A typicalstereoscopic display unit may employ a stereoscopic display scheme suchas a stereoscopic scheme (a glass scheme), an auto-stereoscopic scheme(glassless scheme), a projection scheme (holographic scheme), or thelike.

In general, a 3D stereoscopic image may include a left image (e.g., aleft eye image) and a right image (e.g., a right eye image). Accordingto how left and right images are combined into a 3D stereoscopic image,a 3D stereoscopic imaging method can be divided into a top-down methodin which left and right images are located up and down in a frame, anL-to-R (left-to-right or side by side) method in which left and rightimages are located left and right in a frame, a checker board method inwhich fragments of left and right images are located in a tile form, aninterlaced method in which left and right images are alternately locatedby columns or rows, and a time sequential (or frame by frame) method inwhich left and right images are alternately displayed on a time basis.

Also, as for a 3D thumbnail image, a left image thumbnail and a rightimage thumbnail can be generated from a left image and a right image ofan original image frame, respectively, and then combined to generate asingle 3D thumbnail image. In general, the term “thumbnail” may be usedto refer to a reduced image or a reduced still image. A generated leftimage thumbnail and right image thumbnail may be displayed with ahorizontal distance difference there between by a depth corresponding tothe disparity between the left image and the right image on the screen,thereby providing a stereoscopic space sense.

A left image and a right image required for implementing a 3Dstereoscopic image may be displayed on the stereoscopic display unitusing a stereoscopic processing unit. The stereoscopic processing unitcan receive the 3D image and extract the left image and the right image,or can receive the 2D image and change it into a left image and a rightimage.

The audio output module 152 is generally configured to output audiodata. Such audio data may be obtained from any of a number of differentsources, such that the audio data may be received from the wirelesscommunication unit 110 or may have been stored to in the memory 170. Theaudio data may be output during modes such as a signal reception mode, acall mode, a record mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcastreception mode, and the like. The audio output module 152 can provideaudible output related to a particular function (e.g., a call signalreception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed by themobile terminal 100. The audio output module 152 may also be implementedas a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, or the like.

A haptic module 153 can be configured to generate various tactileeffects that a user feels, perceive, or otherwise experience. A typicalexample of a tactile effect generated by the haptic module 153 isvibration. The strength, pattern and the like of the vibration generatedby the haptic module 153 can be controlled by user selection or settingby the controller. For example, the haptic module 153 may outputdifferent vibrations in a combining manner or a sequential manner.

Besides vibration, the haptic module 153 can generate various othertactile effects, including an effect by stimulation such as a pinarrangement vertically moving to contact skin, a spray force or suctionforce of air through a jet orifice or a suction opening, a touch to theskin, a contact of an electrode, electrostatic force, an effect byreproducing the sense of cold and warmth using an element that canabsorb or generate heat, and the like.

The haptic module 153 can also be implemented to allow the user to feela tactile effect through a muscle sensation such as the user's fingersor arm, as well as transferring the tactile effect through directcontact. Two or more haptic modules 153 may be provided according to theparticular configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

An optical output module 154 can output a signal for indicating an eventgeneration using light of a light source. Examples of events generatedin the mobile terminal 100 may include message reception, call signalreception, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notice, an emailreception, information reception through an application, and the like.

A signal output by the optical output module 154 may be implemented insuch a manner that the mobile terminal emits monochromatic light orlight with a plurality of colors. The signal output may be terminated asthe mobile terminal senses that a user has checked the generated event,for example.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface for external devices to beconnected with the mobile terminal 100. For example, the interface unit160 can receive data transmitted from an external device, receive powerto transfer to elements and components within the mobile terminal 100,or transmit internal data of the mobile terminal 100 to such externaldevice. The interface unit 160 may include wired or wireless headsetports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,or the like.

The identification module may be a chip that stores various informationfor authenticating authority of using the mobile terminal 100 and mayinclude a user identity module (UIM), a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and the like. Inaddition, the device having the identification module (also referred toherein as an “identifying device”) may take the form of a smart card.Accordingly, the identifying device can be connected with the terminal100 via the interface unit 160.

When the mobile terminal 100 is connected with an external cradle, theinterface unit 160 can serve as a passage to allow power from the cradleto be supplied to the mobile terminal 100 or may serve as a passage toallow various command signals input by the user from the cradle to betransferred to the mobile terminal there through. Various commandsignals or power input from the cradle may operate as signals forrecognizing that the mobile terminal is properly mounted on the cradle.

The memory 170 can store programs to support operations of thecontroller 180 and store input/output data (for example, phonebook,messages, still images, videos, etc.). The memory 170 may store datarelated to various patterns of vibrations and audio which are output inresponse to touch inputs on the touch screen.

The memory 170 may include one or more types of storage mediumsincluding a Flash memory, a hard disk, a solid state disk, a silicondisk, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DXmemory, etc), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random AccessMemory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory(PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and thelike. The mobile terminal 100 may also be operated in relation to anetwork storage device that performs the storage function of the memory170 over a network, such as the Internet.

The controller 180 may typically control the general operations of themobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may set or releasea lock state for restricting a user from inputting a control commandwith respect to applications when a status of the mobile terminal meetsa preset condition.

The controller 180 can also perform the controlling and processingassociated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, and thelike, or perform pattern recognition processing to recognize ahandwriting input or a picture drawing input performed on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. In addition, thecontroller 180 can control one or a combination of those components inorder to implement various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The power supply unit 190 receives external power or provide internalpower and supply the appropriate power required for operating respectiveelements and components included in the mobile terminal 100. The powersupply unit 190 may include a battery, which is typically rechargeableor be detachably coupled to the terminal body for charging.

The power supply unit 190 may include a connection port. The connectionport to may be configured as one example of the interface unit 160 towhich an external charger for supplying power to recharge the battery iselectrically connected.

As another example, the power supply unit 190 may be configured torecharge the battery in a wireless manner without use of the connectionport. In this example, the power supply unit 190 can receive power,transferred from an external wireless power transmitter, using at leastone of an inductive coupling method which is based on magnetic inductionor a magnetic resonance coupling method which is based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in acomputer-readable medium, a machine-readable medium, or similar mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the mobile terminal 100 is describedwith reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type,clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type,swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combinedwith each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinationsthereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type ofmobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, andthe like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type ofmobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminalsas well.

The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example,frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of theterminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case 101and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are incorporated intoa space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. Atleast one middle case may be additionally positioned between the frontcase 101 and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminalbody to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of thedisplay unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the frontsurface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to therear case 102. Examples of such electronic components include adetachable battery 191, an identification module, a memory card, and thelike. Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, andthis cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore,when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, theelectronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externallyexposed.

As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102,a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases,upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded bythe rear cover 103. In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may includean opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio outputmodule 152 b.

The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding syntheticresin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS),aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form aninner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100 may beconfigured such that one case forms the inner space. In this example, amobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner thatsynthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit(not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing memberwhich is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101,between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or to between the rearcase 102 and the rear cover 103, to hermetically seal an inner spacewhen those cases are coupled.

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict certain components as arranged on the mobileterminal. However, it is to be understood that alternative arrangementsare possible and within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Somecomponents may be omitted or rearranged. For example, the firstmanipulation unit 123 a may be located on another surface of theterminal body, and the second audio output module 152 b may be locatedon the side surface of the terminal body.

The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobileterminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using one or moresuitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devicesinclude a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), aflexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, andcombinations thereof.

The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, whichcan implement the same or different display technology. For instance, aplurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, eitherspaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, orthese devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses atouch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to thedisplay unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touchand the controller 180, for example, may generate a control command orother signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input inthe touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu itemwhich can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rearsurface of the window 151 a, or a metal wire which is patterned directlyon the rear surface of the window 151 a. Alternatively, the touch sensormay be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensormay be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with thetouch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least someof the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.

The first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of aspeaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audioreproduction, and the like.

The window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include anaperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along anassembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap betweenthe window 151 a and the front case 101). In this case, a holeindependently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or isotherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying theappearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100.

The optical output module 154 can be configured to output light forindicating an event generation. Examples of such events include amessage reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, aschedule notice, an email reception, information reception through anapplication, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event,the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the lightoutput.

The first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or movingimages obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video callmode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b are examples ofthe user input unit 123, which may be manipulated by a user to provideinput to the mobile terminal 100. The first and second manipulationunits 123 a and 123 b may also be commonly referred to as a manipulatingportion, and may employ any tactile method that allows the user toperform manipulation such as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The firstand second manipulation units 123 a and 123 b may also employ anynon-tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulation such asproximity touch, hovering, or the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key,but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touchkey, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation units 123 a and 123b may be used in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit123 a may be used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key,cancel, search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit 123 b maybe used by the user to provide an input to control a volume level beingoutput from the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, toswitch to a touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.

As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (notshown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rearinput unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobileterminal 100. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. Forexample, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an inputfor power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being outputfrom the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, switch toa touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rearinput unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, orcombinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 ofthe front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As oneexample, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion ofthe rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easilymanipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal bodywith one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned atmost any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or allof the to functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rearinput unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a largerscreen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may include a fingerscan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller 180 canthen use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor aspart of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also beinstalled in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit123.

The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal100, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphonesmay be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving ofstereo sounds.

The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal100 to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting toanother device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or thelike), a port for near field communication (for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, andthe like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobileterminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of asocket for accommodating an external card, such as SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memorycard for information storage.

The second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of theterminal body and includes an image capturing direction that issubstantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the firstcamera unit 121 a. If desired, second camera 121 a may alternatively belocated at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have adifferent image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged alongat least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in amatrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an “arraycamera.” When the second camera 121 b is implemented as an array camera,images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lensesand images with better qualities.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the second camera121 b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121 b, theflash 124 may illuminate the subject.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the second audio output module 152 b can be locatedon the terminal body. The second audio output module 152 b may implementstereophonic sound functions in conjunction with the first audio outputmodule 152 a, and may be also used for implementing a speaker phone modefor call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on theterminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body orformed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part ofthe broadcast receiving module 111 may be retractable into the terminalbody. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using a film attached toan inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case that includes aconductive material.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the terminal body ordetachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body. The battery 191may receive power via a power source cable connected to the interfaceunit 160. Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in a wireless mannerusing a wireless charger. Wireless charging may be implemented bymagnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shieldingthe battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery 191, and toprotect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreignmaterial. When the battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, therear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 100. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen.

Hereinafter, a method for extracting depth information of an imagereceived through a camera by using light emitting devices and a methodfor controlling the light emitting devices in the mobile terminalaccording to an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail withthe accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, in a case where at least two images are arranged in a formof 2 by 2 on one figure (FIG. N) when the methods are described with theaccompanying drawings, an image disposed at the left top end is calledas a “first figure,” an image disposed at the right top end is called asa “second figure,” an image disposed at the right bottom end is calledas a “third figure,” and an image disposed at the left bottom end iscalled as a “fourth figure.”

Also, in a case where at least two images are arranged in a line in thedirection from the top end to the bottom end on one figure (FIG. N), theimages from the image disposed at the topmost end are sequentiallycalled as “first, second, . . . images.”

Also, in a case where at least two images are arranged in a line in thedirection from the left end to the right end on one figure (FIG. N), theimages from the image disposed at the leftmost end are sequentiallycalled as “first, second, . . . images.”

The mobile terminal 100 according to the exemplary embodiment mayextract depth information of an image received through the camera 121(see FIG. 1A).

The image received through the camera may be called as a preview image.Specifically, the preview image refers to an image received in real timethrough the camera. The preview image may be changed based on that themobile terminal provided with the camera 121 is moved by an externalforce or that a subject is moved.

The depth information may be called as a depth value, depth information,or the like. The depth information may mean a distance (or distancevalue) between a subject corresponding to a pixel included in the imageand the mobile terminal (more specifically, the camera).

For example, when the distance between a subject corresponding to aspecific pixel of the image and the mobile terminal is n, the depthinformation of the specific pixel may be a specific value correspondingto the n. The specific value corresponding to the n may be the n or avalue changed by a predetermined algorithm.

When the coordinates of the image are set to an x-axis and a y-axisperpendicular to the x-axis, the depth information may mean a valuecorresponding to a z-axis perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis.The absolute value of the depth information may increase as the distancebetween the subject and the mobile terminal increases.

The depth information may be applied in various fields. For example, thedepth information may be used in photographing/generating 3Dstereoscopy, generating 3D printing data used in 3D printers, or sensingmovement of an object (subject) around the mobile terminal.

The mobile terminal 100 according to the exemplary embodiment mayextract depth information of an image received through the camera byusing various methods. For example, the controller 180 (see FIG. 1A) mayextract depth information by using a stereo vision method of extractingdepth information using at least two cameras, a structure light methodof extracting depth information using light emitting devices arranged toform a predetermined pattern, a time of flight (ToF) method ofextracting depth information based on a time when light emitted from alight emitting device is reflected and returned, etc., or throughcombinations thereof.

Hereinafter, the extraction of depth information by using the structurelight method among the above-described methods will be mainly described.

The structure light method is a method of allowing light to be emittedto a subject by controlling a plurality of light emitting devicesarranged to have a predetermined pattern, sensing light reflected andreturned from the subject, and then extracting depth information basedon the sensed light (or a pattern of the sensed light). For example, thecontroller 180 of the mobile terminal according to the exemplaryembodiment controls a plurality of light emitting devices arranged tohave a predetermined pattern to emit light to a subject. Subsequently,the controller 180 of the mobile terminal may sense light reflected andreturned from the subject through the camera 121 or the sensing unit 140(see FIG. 1A).

In this case, the controller 180 may extract depth information of animage received through the camera 121, based on the sensed result. Forexample, the controller 180 may extract depth information of an imagereceived through the camera 121 by comparing a pattern formed by thereflected and returned light with the predetermined pattern or comparinga time for which light is emitted and then reflected and returned, anintensity of the light, etc. To this end, the plurality of lightemitting devices may be formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the image received through the camera 121.

The predetermined pattern may be determined (set) by a user, or bepreviously determined when products of the mobile terminal are produced.Also, the predetermined pattern may be changed by a user's request orcontrol of the controller.

The plurality of light emitting devices may emit infrared light. Also,the light emitting device may be a laser diode for converting anelectric signal into an optical signal. For example, the light emittingdevice may be a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL).

In the present disclosure, the structure light method is used, so thatit is possible to extract depth information of an image through only onecamera (an infrared camera or a 3D camera). Also, it is possible toextract depth information even when the subject has a single color. Thestructure light method may be combined with the stereo vision methodusing at least two cameras or the ToF method, thereby improving theaccuracy of depth information.

Hereinafter, the light emitting devices used to extract depthinformation of an image received through the camera will be described indetail.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are conceptual diagrams illustrating a light emittingunit provided in the mobile terminal according to the exemplaryembodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are conceptual diagrams illustrating aplurality of light emitting devices provided in the light emitting unitaccording to the exemplary embodiment.

The mobile terminal 100 according to the exemplary embodiment mayinclude a light emitting unit 124. The light emitting unit 124 may havethe same configuration as the above-described flash 124, or have aseparate configuration. Hereinafter, reference numeral 124 is used forthe light emitting unit.

The light emitting unit 124 may include at least one light emittingdevice 125. Specifically, the light emitting unit 124 may include aplurality of light emitting devices 125, and the plurality of lightemitting devices 125 may be arranged in various manners. The arrangementof the plurality of light emitting devices 125 will be described laterwith reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The light emitting unit 124 may be disposed adjacent to the camera 121.For example, the light emitting unit 124, as shown in FIG. 2A, may bedisposed around the camera 121 b. Although not shown in this figure, thelight emitting unit 124 may be integrally formed with the camera 121 b.

Each of the plurality of light emitting devices 125 included in thelight emitting unit 124, as described above, may be a VCSEL that is oneof infrared diodes. Each light emitting device may emit infrared lighttoward a subject. For example, the emission of light from the lightemitting device may mean that infrared light is emitted from the VCSEL.Also, the emission of light from the light emitting device may mean thatlight having a wavelength in a specific range is projected from thelight emitting device.

The camera 121 b may be a 3D camera or infrared camera used to extractdepth information. The camera 121 b may include an infrared (IR) passfilter for allowing infrared light received from the outside to passtherethrough and an image sensor capable of sensing infrared light. Theimage sensor may be implemented in the form of a charge-coupled device(CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

The camera 121 b may sense infrared light received from the outside,i.e., infrared light emitted to a subject from the light emitting deviceincluded in the light emitting unit and then reflected and returnedthereto. In addition, the controller 180 of the mobile terminalaccording to the exemplary embodiment may sense infrared light throughthe above-described sensing unit 140 (e.g., an infrared sensor (IRsensor)). Also, the camera 121 b may sense light having a specificwavelength.

Meanwhile, the light emitting unit 124 may be formed to emit lighttoward a space corresponding to an image received through the camera 121b. Specifically, the plurality of light emitting devices 125 included inthe light emitting unit 124 may emit light toward a space correspondingto an image 300 received through the camera.

Here, the space corresponding to the image 300 received through thecamera may mean a space (a visual field of a scene) photographed by thecamera among spaces (real spaces) except a space occupied by the mobileterminal 100. For example, the space corresponding to the image receivedthrough the camera may be determined based on an angle of view (viewingangle) of the camera.

For example, a specific light emitting device among the plurality oflight emitting devices may be formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to a specific pixel(s) (a partial image or a portion) inan image received through the camera.

Meanwhile, the plurality of light emitting devices 125 included in thelight emitting unit 124 may be grouped into a plurality of groups. Atleast two light emitting devices may be included in each of theplurality of groups. Specifically, the controller 180 may individuallycontrol the plurality of light emitting devices 125, or control theplurality of light emitting devices 125 in units of groups eachincluding at least two light emitting devices. The plurality of lightemitting devices may be grouped into groups having various forms, andthe form of the group may be determined by a user's setting or controlof the controller.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, light emitting devices included in afirst group G1 among a plurality of groups G1, G2, . . . included in thelight emitting unit 124 may be formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to a first portion R1 in the image 300 received throughthe camera 121 b.

Also, light emitting devices included in a second group G2 differentfrom the first group G1 among the plurality of groups G1, G2, . . .included in the light emitting unit 124 may be formed to emit lighttoward a space corresponding to a second portion R2 different from thefirst portion R1 in the image 300 received through the camera 121 b.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 2B, an image 300 received throughthe camera may be output on the display 151 of the mobile terminalaccording to the exemplary embodiment. The image 300 may be an imagecorresponding to a space (a visual field of a scene or a subject) Sphotographed by the camera.

The light emitting unit 124 of the mobile terminal according to theexemplary embodiment may be formed to emit light toward the space Scorresponding to the image 300.

The light emitting unit 124 may include a plurality of light emittingdevices, and the plurality of light emitting devices may be grouped intoa plurality of groups G1, G2, . . . . The light emitting devicesincluded in the respective groups may be formed to emit light towardspaces corresponding to different portions in the image 300.

For example, light emitting devices included in a first group G1 amongthe plurality of groups may be formed to emit light toward a space S1corresponding to a first portion R1 in the image 300, and light emittingdevices included in a second group G2 among the plurality of groups maybe formed to emit light toward a space S2 corresponding to a secondportion R2 in the image 300.

To this end, referring to FIG. 2C, the light emitting unit 124 accordingto the exemplary embodiment may further include a lens 127. The lens 127may refract or diffuse light emitted from the light emitting unit 124.The lens 127 may be one lens corresponding to the light emitting unit124. Alternatively, the lens 127 may be implemented with a plurality oflenses formed to respectively correspond to the plurality of groupsincluded in the light emitting unit 124. Alternatively, the lens 127 maybe implemented with a plurality of lenses formed to respectivelycorrespond to the plurality of light emitting devices included in thelight emitting unit 124.

The controller 180 may control the lens 127 to emit light emitted fromthe light emitting unit 124 toward a space corresponding to an imagereceived through the camera. Specifically, when the size of the lightemitting unit 124 is greater than that of a space S corresponding to theimage 300 received through the camera, the controller 180 may controlthe lens 127 such that light is emitted corresponding to the space Sfrom the light emitting unit 124. To this end, the lens 127 may beformed such that its curvature is changed, or formed such that itsposition is moved.

Meanwhile, the plurality of light emitting devices included in the lightemitting to unit 124 may be arranged to form a predetermined pattern.Accordingly, in the present disclosure, depth information of an imagereceived through the camera can be extracted by using the structurelight method.

To this end, the plurality of light emitting devices 125 may be arrangedor controlled by using various methods.

For example, referring to FIG. 3A, a plurality of light emitting devicesmay be arranged in a matrix form where they are arranged at apredetermined distance in the light emitting unit 124. The controller180 may control some of the plurality of light emitting devices to emitlight such that a predetermined pattern is formed.

For example, the controller 180 may control the light emitting unit 124such that a predetermined pattern Pa1 is formed by allowing only somelight emitting devices 125 a among a plurality of light emitting devices125 arranged in a 4 by 4 matrix form to emit light.

As described above, the plurality of light emitting devices 125 may begrouped into a plurality of groups. The light emitting devices includedin the plurality of groups may be controlled to form different patterns.As an example, the controller 180 may control light emitting devices tohave a first pattern in a first group among the plurality of groups, andcontrol light emitting devices to have a second pattern different fromthe first pattern in a second group different from the first group amongthe plurality of groups.

As another example, referring to FIG. 3B, a plurality of light emittingdevices may be arranged to form a predetermined pattern in the lightemitting unit 124. In this case, the plurality of light emitting devicesmay be arranged to form different patterns for respective groups.

For example, light emitting devices included in a first group among aplurality of groups may be arranged to form a first pattern Pa2, lightemitting devices included in a second group among the plurality ofgroups may be arranged to form a second pattern Pa3, and light emittingdevices included in a third group among the plurality of groups may bearranged to form a third pattern Pa4. Here, the first to third patternsmay be different from one another.

In the above, it has been described that light emitting devices for eachgroup are arranged or controlled to form a specific pattern. However,the present disclosure is limited thereto, and all the plurality oflight emitting devices included in the light emitting unit 124 may bearranged or controlled to form a specific pattern.

As described in FIGS. 2A to 2C, light emitting devices which emit lighttoward a space corresponding a portion of an image received through thecamera among the plurality of light emitting devices or light emittingdevices included in a group formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to a portion of the image among the plurality of groupsmay be at least two light emitting devices formed (arranged) in apredetermined pattern as described in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

That is, in the present disclosure, when depth information on a specificportion in an image received through the camera, light may be emittedfrom light emitting devices (or light emitting devices included in agroup) formed to emit light toward a space corresponding to the specificportion among the plurality of light emitting devices (or plurality ofgroups) included in the light emitting unit 124.

Here, the light emitting devices formed to emit light toward the spacecorresponding to the specific portion may be formed (arranged) in apredetermined pattern. Accordingly, light emitted from the lightemitting devices formed in the predetermined pattern in the lightemitting unit 124 can be projected into the space corresponding to thespecific portion. The light projected into the space may be reflectedand returned to the mobile terminal.

Subsequently, in the present disclosure, depth information on thespecific portion may be extracted based on the light reflected andreturned from the space.

The mobile terminal of the present disclosure, which can include atleast one of the components described above may control the plurality oflight emitting devices included in the light emitting unit 124 in unitsof groups so as to extract depth information on an image receivedthrough the camera by using the optimized method.

Hereinafter, a method for controlling the light emitting unit accordingto an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart representatively illustrating a control methodaccording to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagramillustrating the control method described in FIG. 4.

First, referring to FIG. 4, an image is received through the camera(S410). The image received through the camera may be output on thedisplay unit 151. The camera may be activated based on a user's request.

For example, the camera may be activated based on that an applicationrelated to the camera is executed.

Subsequently, light is emitted from light emitting devices which emitlight toward a space corresponding to a portion of the image among aplurality of light emitting devices included in the light emitting unit124 so as to extract depth information of the portion (S420).

As described above, a plurality of light emitting devices may beprovided in the light emitting unit 124 provided in the mobile terminalaccording to the exemplary embodiment. The plurality of light emittingdevices may be formed to emit light toward a space corresponding to animage received through the camera.

Specifically, the controller 180, as shown in FIG. 5, may select (set orspecify) a portion in an image 300 received through the camera. Theportion may be selected based on a user's request, or selected based onthat a predetermined condition is satisfied.

As an example, in the state in which the image 300 received through thecamera is output on the display 151, the controller 180 may select theportion, based on a point (area or portion) at which a touch input isapplied to the image 300.

As another example, the controller 180 may select, as the portion, apredetermined area in the image received through the camera. Thepredetermined area may mean an area previously set by a user.

As still another example, the controller 180 may select, as the portion,an area having depth information within a predetermined range in theimage received through the camera. Alternatively, when the image isdivided into a plurality of areas to respectively correspond to aplurality of groups provided in the light emitting unit 124, the portionmay be at least one area including an area having depth informationwithin a predetermined range among the plurality of areas.

Also, the portion may be set or changed based on that the image isphotographed or that the mobile terminal is moved by an external force.

Referring back to FIG. 5, if a portion 300 a is selected from the image300 received through the camera, the controller 180 may control lightemitting devices 125 a, which are formed to emit light toward a space Sacorresponding to the portion 300 a among the plurality of light emittingdevices provided in the light emitting unit 124, to emit light.

In other words, the controller 180 may groups the plurality of lightemitting devices included in the light emitting unit 124 into aplurality of groups, and control light emitting devices 125 a, which areincluded in a group formed to emit light to the space Sa correspondingto the portion 300 a among the plurality of groups, to emit light.

The light emitting devices 125 a may be arranged to form a predeterminedpattern, and light may be projected in to the space Sa corresponding tothe portion 300 a so as to form the predetermined pattern. Thecontroller 180 may sense light reflected and returned from the spacethrough the camera or the sensing unit, and extract depth information ofa portion in the image. As such, the structure light method ofextracting depth information by using light arranged to form apredetermined pattern is a general technique, and therefore, itsdetailed description will be omitted.

As described above, light emitting devices (or groups) provided in thelight emitting unit, an image received through the camera, and a spacecorresponding to the image may have a relationship in which theycorrespond to each other.

In the present disclosure configured as described above, when depthinformation on a portion in an image received through the camera is tobe extracted, light is not emitted from all the plurality of lightemitting devices provided in the light emitting unit, but light isemitted from some light emitting devices formed to emit light toward aspace corresponding to the portion, so that it is possible to reducepower consumption and reduce peak power.

Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of controlling the lightemitting unit will be described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method forcontrolling light emitting devices according to an exemplary embodiment.

The light emitting unit 124 according to the exemplary embodiment mayinclude a plurality of light emitting devices, and the plurality oflight emitting devices may be grouped into a plurality of groups.

When depth information corresponding to a portion in an image 300received through the camera is to be extracted, the controller 180 maycontrol light emitting devices, which are included in a group formed toemit light toward a space corresponding to the portion among theplurality of groups, to emit light.

Specifically, when depth information of a first portion in the image 300is to be extracted, the controller 180 may control light emittingdevices, which are included in a first group formed to emit light towarda space corresponding to the first portion among the plurality ofgroups, to emit light. Also, when depth information of a second portiondifferent from the first portion in the image 300 is to be extracted,the controller 180 may control light emitting devices, which areincluded in a second group formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the second portion among the plurality of groups, toemit light.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 6A, an image 300 received through thecamera 121 may be divided (partitioned) into a plurality of areas. Here,the plurality of areas may correspond to a plurality of groups obtainedby grouping a plurality of light emitting devices in the light emittingunit 124.

When depth information of a first portion (or a first area among theplurality of areas included in the image) 601 a in the image 300 isextracted, the controller 180 may control light emitting devices, whichare included in a group 601 b formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the first portion 601 a among the plurality of groupsincluded in the light emitting unit 124, to emit light.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 6B, when depth information of asecond portion (or a second area among the plurality of areas includedin the image) 602 a in the image 300 is extracted, the controller 180may control light emitting devices, which are included in a group 602 bformed to emit light toward a space corresponding to the second portion602 a among the plurality of groups included in the light emitting unit124, to emit light.

Meanwhile, when the image 300 received through the camera isphotographed (captured) as a still image, the controller 180 may controla plurality of light emitting devices included in the light emittingunit 124 by using a predetermined method.

Specifically, when the image 300 is photographed as a still image, thecontroller 180 may control a plurality of groups set in the lightemitting unit 124 to sequentially emit light in a predetermined order astime elapses. Here, the predetermined order may be to determined basedon an order in which a plurality of areas included in the image 300 arephotographed as still images as time elapses.

For example, the mobile terminal according to the exemplary embodimentmay photograph (pick up or capture) an image received through thecamera. The image may be photographed based on a user's imagephotographing command. If the image photographing command is received,the controller 180 may control a shutter provided in the camera suchthat the image is photographed as a still image, and store thephotographed still image in the memory 170 (see FIG. 1A).

In this case, the controller 180 may control the shutter provided in thecamera to be sequentially opened/closed so as to photograph the image asa still image. For example, when the image sensor provided in the camera121 is implemented in the form of a CMOS, the shutter may be a rollingshutter.

The predetermined method may be a photographing method using the rollingshutter or a method of photographing an image received through thecamera while scanning the image in one direction. The scanning may besequentially performed in units of rows or columns (pixels (or areas)corresponding to one line).

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the rolling shutter is used, thecontroller 180 may sequentially photograph an image 700 received throughthe camera 121 in one direction (e.g., a direction from top to bottom)as time elapses. That is, images corresponding to a first area 700 adisposed at the uppermost portion in the image 700, a second area 700 b,and a third area 700 c may be sequentially photographed from the firstarea 700 a in the one direction as time elapses. In this case, the imagecorresponding to the first area 700 a may be first photographed, and theimage corresponding to the third area 700 c may be photographed last.

The controller 180 may photograph (generate or store), as one stillimage, the image received through the camera by sequentiallyphotographing images corresponding to the first to third areas.

That is, when images corresponding to the first area 700 a, the secondarea 700 b, and the third area 700 c are sequentially photographed astime elapses, the controller 180 may control a plurality of lightemitting devices to emit light, corresponding to an order in which theimages are photographed, according to characteristics of the rollingshutter.

For example, when a first image corresponding to the first area 700 a inthe image 700 received through the camera is photographed as shown infirst to third figures of FIG. 7, the controller 180 may control lightemitting devices, which are included in a first group 126 a formed toemit light toward a space corresponding to the first image among theplurality of groups included in the light emitting unit 124, to emitlight (1).

Subsequently, when a second image corresponding to the second area 700 bis photographed after the photographing of the first image is performed,the controller 180 may control light emitting devices, which areincluded in a second group 126 b formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the second image among the plurality of groups, to emitlight (1).

When the photographing of the first image is completed, the controller180 may control the light emitting devices, which are included in thefirst group 126 a formed to emit light toward the space corresponding tothe first image, to be turned off (0).

Subsequently, when a third image corresponding to the third area 700 cis photographed after the photographing of the second image isperformed, the controller 180 may control light emitting devices, whichare included in a third group 126 c formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the third image among the plurality of groups, to emitlight (1).

When the photographing of the second image is completed, the controller180 may control the light emitting devices, which are included in thesecond group 126 b formed to emit light toward the space correspondingto the second image, to be turned off (0).

As shown in the third figure of FIG. 7, the light emitting devicesincluded in the first and second groups 126 a and 126 b maysimultaneously emit light for a certain time, or sequentially emitlight. Similarly, the light emitting devices included in the second andthird groups 126 b and 126 c may simultaneously emit light for a certaintime, or sequentially emit light.

As described above, when an image received through the camera isphotographed as a still image, the controller 180 may control aplurality of areas included in the image to be sequentially photographedin a predetermined order as time elapses, according to thecharacteristics of the rolling shutter. In this case, the controller 180may control a plurality of groups included in the light emitting unit124, which are grouped corresponding to the plurality of areas, tosequentially emit light in the predetermined order as time elapses. Thatlight is emitted from the plurality of groups included in the lightemitting unit 124 should be understood that light is emitted from thelight emitting devices included in the plurality of groups.

The predetermined order may be an order in which the plurality of areasincluded in the image are photographed as still images as time elapses.

As such, the controller 180 may control an area photographed at aspecific point of time in the image and a group formed to emit lighttoward a space corresponding to the area to be synchronized with eachother.

The controller 180 control the camera to photograph the image as a stillimage in a state in which light emitted from light emitting devicesformed in a predetermined pattern is projected. Accordingly, thecontroller 180 can extract depth information based on the photographedstill image.

In the present disclosure configured as described above, when an imageis photographed, it is possible to reduce peak power for allowing lightemitting devices used in extracting depth information to emit light. Inthe present disclosure, there can be provided a control method in whichthe peak power is reduced, so that it is possible to extract depthinformation of an image or photograph an image by using the optimizedmethod, without having a complicated configuration for increasing thepeak power.

Meanwhile, the mobile terminal according to the exemplary embodiment maycontrol the light emitting unit in different manners, based on anoperation mode related to the camera.

Specifically, in a first operation mode related to the camera, thecontroller 180 may control a plurality of groups (or light emittingdevices included in the plurality of groups) included in the lightemitting unit in a first manner. Also, in a second operation moderelated to the camera, which is different from the first operation mode,the controller 180 may control the plurality of groups included in thelight emitting unit by using a second manner different from the firstmanner.

Hereinafter, various embodiments in which the light emitting unit isdifferently controlled for each operation mode related to the camerawill be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of adjusting lightemitting degrees of a plurality of light emitting devices, and FIG. 9 isa conceptual diagram illustrating the control method described in FIG.8.

FIGS. 10 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating control methods ofcontrolling the light emitting unit in different manners according tooperation modes of the camera, and FIGS. 11 and 13 are conceptualdiagrams illustrating the control methods described in FIGS. 10 and 12,respectively.

First, the operation mode related to the camera may include variousoperation modes. For example, the operation mode related to the cameramay include a first mode for adjusting (regulating, setting, ordetermining) light emitting degrees of a plurality of to light emittingdevices, a second mode for extracting only depth informationcorresponding to a specific area, a third mode for photographing a spacewider than a specific space corresponding to an image received throughthe camera by moving the mobile terminal, and the like.

The first mode for adjusting (regulating, setting, or determining) lightemitting degrees of a plurality of light emitting devices will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

The first mode for adjusting the light emitting degrees of the pluralityof light emitting devices may be called as an initial setting mode, etc.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the operation mode relate to the camera is thefirst mode, light is emitted from a plurality of light emitting devicesincluded in the light emitting unit 124 (S810). The plurality of lightemitting devices may emit light having a predetermined brightness(intensity).

The light emitted from the plurality of light emitting devices may beprojected into a space corresponding to an image received through thecamera. The light projected into the space may be reflected by a subjectexisting in the space and then returned to the mobile terminal.

As the plurality of light emitting devices emit light, the controller180 may sense a brightness (intensity) of the light reflected by thesubject and then returned to the mobile terminal (S820).

Subsequently, the light emitting degree of each of the plurality oflight emitting devices is adjusted based on the sensed result (S830).

As described in FIG. 2C, the lens 127 may be included in the lightemitting unit 124. For example, the light emitting unit 124 may includea lens for refracting light emitted from the plurality of light emittingdevices.

The controller 180 may adjust light emitting degrees of the plurality oflight to emitting devices, based on the brightness of light passingthrough the lens 127 and then being reflected by an object and returnedto the mobile terminal.

Specifically, the brightness (intensity) of the reflected and returnedlight may be different from the intensity of light emitted from theplurality of light emitting device, based on refraction/diffusion of thelight due to the lens 127, scattering, spherical aberration, absorptanceof the light into the object, moving distance of the light, etc.

Therefore, the intensity of light sensed in a first area included in animage received through the camera may be different from the intensity oflight sensed in a second area different from the first area. Forexample, when the first area is a central portion and the second area isan outer portion, the intensity of the light sensed in the first areamay be greater than the intensity of the light sensed in the secondarea.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the brightness of light correspondingto a first area 910 a in an image 900 displayed on the display unit 151may be greater than the brightness of light corresponding to a secondarea 910 b different from the first area 910 a.

In this case, the controller 180 may decrease the light emitting degreesof light emitting devices 920 a formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the first area 910 a, or increase the light emittingdegrees of light emitting devices 920 b formed to emit light toward aspace corresponding to the second area 910 b. That is, the controller180 may control the light emitting unit 124 such that the brightness oflight within a predetermined range is sensed with respect to the wholeof the image 900 received through the camera (such that the uniformbrightness of light is sensed).

In the present disclosure configured as described above, there can beprovided a control method capable of controlling a plurality of lightemitting devices such that the brightness of light within apredetermined range is sensed in an image received through the camera.That is, in the present disclosure configured as described above, it ispossible to improve the uniformity of a plurality of light emittingdevices provided in the light emitting unit.

Hereinafter, the second mode for extracting only depth informationcorresponding to a specific area will be described with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the operation mode related to the camera isthe second mode, an image is received through the camera (S1010).

Subsequently, an area having depth information within a predeterminedrange is extracted from the received image (1020). Specifically, if animage is received through the camera, the controller 180 may extractdepth information of the image.

The depth information may be extracted based on, for example, at leastone of the stereo vision method, the structure light method, and the ToFmethod.

The controller 180 may extract an area having depth information within apredetermined range from the image. For example, the depth informationwithin the predetermined range may be depth information where thedistance between the camera and a target subject is within a specificdistance range. The target subject may mean a subject from which depthinformation is to be extracted.

Meanwhile, the controller 180 may set the predetermined range, based ondepth information of an image corresponding to a predetermined area inthe image. Specifically, the area having the depth information withinthe predetermined range may be extracted based on depth information ofan image corresponding to a predetermined area in the image.

For example, the predetermined area may be a central portion in an imagereceived through the camera. An indicator for notifying thepredetermined area may be displayed on the display unit 151.

The controller 180 may extract depth information corresponding to thecentral portion, and set a predetermined range based on the extracteddepth information. This is provided for the purpose of extracting depthinformation of an image corresponding to the to target subject.

Subsequently, the controller 180 may set an area having the depthinformation within the predetermined range in the image received throughthe camera. The set area may be an area including an image correspondingto the target subject. Also, the area except the set area in the imagereceived through the camera may be a background area.

Referring to a first figure of FIG. 11, the controller 180 may extractan area 1110 having depth information within a predetermined range froman image 300 received through the camera. The area 1110 may be an areaincluding an image (picture) corresponding to a target subject among aplurality of areas included in the image 300.

Subsequently, light is emitted from light emitting devices formed toemit light toward a space corresponding to the extracted area among aplurality of light emitting devices provided in the light emitting unit(S1030).

Specifically, the controller 180 may control only light emittingdevices, which are formed to emit light toward a space corresponding tothe extracted area among the plurality of light emitting devices, toemit light, and control light emitting devices, which are formed to emitlight toward a space corresponding to the area except the extractedarea, to be turned off.

For example, as shown in a second figure of FIG. 11, the controller 180may control only light emitting devices (or a group) 1120, which areformed to emit light toward a space corresponding to the extracted area1110 among the plurality of light emitting devices (or the plurality ofgroups) included in the light emitting unit 124, to emit light. In thiscase, the other light emitting devices among the plurality of lightemitting devices may be turned off.

That is, in the present disclosure, the light emitting unit iscontrolled such that light is projected onto only a target subject, andis not projected into the background space except the target subject,thereby preventing power consumption.

Hereinafter, the third mode for photographing a space wider than aspecific space corresponding to an image received through the camera bymoving the mobile terminal will be described with reference to FIGS. 12and 13.

The sensing unit 140 (see FIG. 1A) provided in the mobile terminalaccording to the exemplary embodiment may sense a movement of the mobileterminal. When the operation mode related to the camera is the thirdmode, a movement of the mobile terminal is sensed through the sensingunit (S1210).

The controller 180 may determine a speed, a direction, etc. of themovement.

Subsequently, light emitting devices (or a group) formed to emit lightamong the plurality of light emitting devices (or the plurality ofgroups) included in the light emitting unit are determined based on atleast one of the speed and direction of the movement (S1220).

Specifically, a new image may be received to the camera by the movement.In this case, the controller 180 may control light emitting devices,which are included in a group formed to emit light toward a spacecorresponding to the new image among a plurality of groups included inthe light emitting unit 124, to emit light. Here, the group (or lightemitting devices) formed to emit light toward the space corresponding tothe new space may be determined based on at least one of the speed anddirection of the movement.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, an image 300 b received through thecamera may be output on the display unit 151. The depth information ofthe image 300 b may be extracted by using at least one method among theabove-described methods.

Subsequently, if the mobile terminal is moved by an external force, thecamera may receive a new image 300 c different from the image 300 b. Inthis case, the controller 180 may control light emitting devices (or agroup), which are formed to emit light toward a space corresponding tothe new image 300 c among a plurality of light emitting devices (or aplurality of groups) included in the light emitting unit 124, to emitlight, based on the to speed and direction of the movement.Subsequently, the controller 180 may extract depth information of thenew image 300 c.

In the present disclosure configured as described above, light emittingdevices emit light toward only a space corresponding to an image newlyreceived by a movement of the mobile terminal, so that it is possible tolimit the emission of light toward a space corresponding to an image ofwhich depth information has been already extracted, thereby reducingpower consumption.

The exemplary embodiments described in FIGS. 8 to 13 may be implementedby combining at least two of the above-described methods.

Hereinafter, a method for decreasing peak current for allowing lightemitting devices to emit light will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for controlling aplurality of light emitting devices provided in the light emitting unitaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

The mobile terminal according to the exemplary embodiment, which mayinclude at least one of the components described above, may control aplurality of light emitting devices included in the light emitting unit124 to decrease peak power (current).

The peak power refers to power for allowing at least one light emittingdevice to emit light together (at the same time).

For example, power of a [W] is required to allow one light emittingdevice to emit light. When light is emitted from n light emittingdevices, their peak power may be a*n [W].

In order to increase the peak power, complicated components should beprovided. Therefore, the product cost of the mobile terminal increases,and the volume of the mobile terminal increases. Also, the weight of themobile terminal increases.

The mobile terminal according to the exemplary embodiment allows aplurality of light emitting devices provided in the light emitting unitto sequentially emit light within a predetermined time, therebydecreasing peak power.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when light is emitted from n lightemitting devices 125 (or n light emitting devices provided in any one1400 of a plurality of groups), the controller 180 may control the nlight emitting devices 125 to sequentially emit light in a predeterminedorder. In this case, the controller 180 may control the n light emittingdevices to sequentially alternately emit light without any time when then light emitting devices simultaneously emit light.

The n light emitting devices, as described above, may be light emittingdevices formed to emit light toward a space corresponding to a portionof an image received through the camera, or light emitting devicesincluded in a group formed to emit light toward the space correspondingto the portion of the image among a plurality of groups. Also, the nlight emitting devices may be formed (arranged) in a predeterminedpattern.

The predetermined time may be determined by a user's setting, and ispreferably a short time which cannot be perceived by the user's sight.This is provided for the purpose of, although the plurality of lightemitting devices (n light emitting devices) sequentially emit lightwithin a predetermined time, emitting light corresponding to theintensity of light when the plurality of light emitting devices (n lightemitting devices) simultaneously emit.

In the present disclosure configured as described above, the peak powercan be decreased by 1/n as compared with that when n light emittingdevices simultaneously emit light.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, there can beprovided a control method in which light is emitted toward only a spacecorresponding to a portion (an area set by a user or a predeterminedarea) of an image received through the camera, so to that it is possibleto extract depth information of the portion of the image by using theoptimized method.

Also, according to the present disclosure, when the depth information ofan image received through the camera is extracted, it is possible tominimize the power of light emitting devices and improve the successrate in extracting depth information.

Various embodiments may be implemented using a machine-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor toperform various methods presented herein. Examples of possiblemachine-readable mediums include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid StateDisk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, afloppy disk, an optical data storage device, the other types of storagemediums presented herein, and combinations thereof. If desired, themachine-readable medium may be realized in the form of a carrier wave(for example, a transmission over the Internet). The processor mayinclude the controller 180 of the mobile terminal.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and arenot to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The presentteachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Thisdescription is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scopeof the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods,and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described hereinmay be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternativeexemplary embodiments.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fallwithin the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metesand bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a light emitting unit comprising a plurality of light generating elements, wherein the plurality of light generating elements are grouped into a plurality of groups; a camera; a controller operably connected to the light emitting unit and the camera and configured to: control at least one of the plurality of groups to emit light to an object, and determine depth information of the object using the at least one image captured via the camera based on the light emitted from the at least one of the plurality of groups to the object, wherein the plurality of light generating elements included in each of the plurality of groups are arranged to form different patterns such that all of the plurality of groups emit different light patterns, wherein the plurality of light generating elements included in each of the plurality of groups generate light to form the different patterns while at least one image of the object is received from the camera, wherein each pattern of the different patterns is formed based on arrangement of the plurality of light generating elements included in a corresponding group of the plurality of groups, and wherein the controller is further configured to control two or more of the plurality of groups to emit light simultaneously during at least a portion of time that the at least one of the plurality of groups are emitting light to the object.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one of the plurality of groups to emit light in a predetermined order, and wherein a peak power of the at least one of the plurality of groups to emit light in the predetermined order is lower than a peak power of the plurality of groups emitting light simultaneously.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one of the plurality of groups to sequentially emit light in a predetermined order during a predetermined time.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light generating elements are configured to generate light having a predetermined brightness.
 5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of groups are configured to emit light having a predetermined brightness.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to control a light emitting time of each the plurality of groups and a light emitting intensity of each the plurality of groups, wherein the light emitting time and the light emitting intensity are controlled independently.
 7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the light emitting time or the light emitting intensity is set by a user.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the depth information of the object based on at least a stereo vision method, a structure light method, or a time of flight method.
 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein a pattern formed by light emitted by the plurality of light generating elements is used for the stereo vision method or the structure light method and a time for which light emitted by the light generating elements is reflected and returned is used for the time of flight method.
 10. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a lens corresponding to the light emitting unit.
 11. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lenses configured to respectively correspond to the plurality of light generating elements included in the light emitting unit.
 12. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lenses configured to respectively correspond to the plurality of groups of light generating elements.
 13. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a memory, wherein the controller is further configured to store the at least one image captured via the camera in the memory.
 14. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light generating elements of each of the plurality of groups are located in a separate region from light generating elements of other groups of the plurality of groups.
 15. An electronic device comprising: a light emitting unit comprising a plurality of light generating elements, wherein the plurality of light generating elements are grouped into a plurality of groups; a camera; a controller operably connected to the light emitting unit and the camera and configured to: control the plurality of groups to emit light to an object, and determine depth information of the object using at least one image captured via the camera based on the light emitted from the at least one of the plurality of groups to the object, wherein the plurality of light generating elements included in each of the plurality of groups are arranged to form different patterns such that all of the plurality of groups emit different light patterns, wherein the plurality of light generating elements included in each of the plurality of groups generate light to form the different patterns while at least one image of the object is received from the camera, wherein each pattern of the different patterns is formed based on arrangement of the plurality of light generating elements included in a corresponding group of the plurality of groups, and wherein the controller is further configured to control two or more of the plurality of groups to emit light simultaneously during at least a portion of time that the at least one of the plurality of groups are emitting light to the object.
 16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one of the plurality of groups to emit light in a predetermined order, and wherein a peak power of the at least one of the plurality of groups to emit light in the predetermined order is lower than a peak power of the plurality of groups emitting light simultaneously.
 17. The electronic device of claim 15 to wherein the controller is further configured to control the at least one of the plurality of groups to sequentially emit light in a predetermined order during a predetermined time.
 18. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of light generating elements are configured to generate light having a predetermined brightness.
 19. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of groups are configured to emit light having a predetermined brightness.
 20. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to control a light emitting time of each the plurality of groups and a light emitting intensity of each the plurality of groups, wherein the light emitting time and the light emitting intensity are controlled independently.
 21. The electronic device of claim 20, wherein at least one of the light emitting time or the light emitting intensity is set by a user.
 22. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the depth information of the object based on at least a stereo vision method, a structure light method, or a time of flight method.
 23. The electronic device of claim 22, wherein a pattern formed by light emitted by the plurality of light generating elements is used for the stereo vision method or the structure light method and a time for which light emitted by the light generating elements is reflected and returned is used for the time of flight method.
 24. The electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a lens corresponding to the light emitting unit.
 25. The electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of lenses configured to respectively correspond to the plurality of light generating elements included in the light emitting unit.
 26. The electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of lenses configured to respectively correspond to the plurality of groups of light generating elements.
 27. The electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a memory, wherein the controller is further configured to store the at least one image captured via the camera in the memory.
 28. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of light generating elements of each of the plurality of groups are located in a separate region from light generating elements of other groups of the plurality of groups. 